Multi-disciplinary Care for the Elderly in Disasters: An Integrative Review
- 19 November 2014
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
- Vol. 30 (1), 72-79
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s1049023x14001241
Abstract
Introduction Older adults are disproportionately affected by disaster. Frail elders, individuals with chronic diseases, conditions, or disabilities, and those who live in long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable. Purpose The purpose of this integrative review of the literature was to describe the system-wide knowledge and skills that multi-disciplinary health care providers need to provide appropriate care for the elderly during domestic-humanitarian and disaster-relief efforts. Data sources A systematic search protocol was developed in conjunction with a research librarian. Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were conducted using terms such as Disaster, Geological Processes, Aged, Disaster Planning, and Vulnerable Populations. Forty-six articles met criteria for inclusion in the review.Policies and guidance regarding evacuating versus sheltering in place are lacking. Tenets of elderly-focused disaster planning/preparation and clarification of legal and ethical standards of care and liability issues are needed. Functional capacity, capabilities, or impairments, rather than age, should be considered in disaster preparation. Older adults should be included in disaster planning as population-specific experts. Implications for Practice A multifaceted approach to population-specific disaster planning and curriculum development should include consideration of the biophysical and psychosocial aspects of care, ethical and legal issues, logistics, and resources. Johnson HL , Ling CG , McBee EC . Multi-disciplinary care for the elderly in disasters: an integrative review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(1):1-8 .Keywords
This publication has 45 references indexed in Scilit:
- Satisfaction and Public Health Cost of a Statewide Influenza Nurse Triage Line in Response to Pandemic H1N1 InfluenzaPLOS ONE, 2013
- Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and perceived needs for psychological care in older persons affected by Hurricane IkeJournal of Affective Disorders, 2012
- Longitudinal Assessment of Cognitive and Psychosocial Functioning After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Exploring Disaster Impact on Middle‐Aged, Older, and Oldest‐Old AdultsJournal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, 2011
- Disaster preparedness and response practices among providers from the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans with spinal cord injuries and/or disordersThe Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2011
- Mental Health Service Use After the World Trade Center DisasterJournal of Nervous & Mental Disease, 2011
- After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Gender Differences in Health and Religiosity in Middle-Aged and Older AdultsHealth Care for Women International, 2010
- A Comparison of the Nursing Home Evacuation Experience Between Hurricanes Katrina (2005) and Gustav (2008)Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2009
- A Pilot Study Evaluating the Feasibility of Psychological First Aid for Nursing Home ResidentsClinical Gerontologist, 2009
- Hurricane Katrina’s Impact on the Care of Survivors with Chronic Medical ConditionsJournal of General Internal Medicine, 2007
- New Orleans doctor is charged with giving lethal injections during floodsBMJ, 2006